UAS
Boeing invests in Robotic Skies to provide commercial UAS services. Credit: Image by Richard Bolan from Pixabay.

American aircraft manufacturer Boeing has invested in Robotic Skies, a start-up that provides maintenance, inspection and alteration services to global manufacturers and operators of commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Robotic Skies connects manufacturers and operators of commercial UAS with a global network of more than 170 civil aviation authority-certified repair stations.

Boeing HorizonX Ventures led the funding round, which saw participation from Thayer Ventures, Sun Mountain Capital and KickStart Seed Fund.

Last October, Boeing Global Services and its subsidiaries Aviall and Jeppesen partnered with Robotic Skies to provide enhanced commercial UAS services.

Boeing HorizonX Ventures managing director Brian Schettler said: “With safety as a cornerstone, we are shaping a robust operational ecosystem for on-demand mobility that supports the future of aircraft, air vehicles and autonomous systems.”

The investment is part of the American aircraft manufacturer’s long-term strategy of entering into value-added partnerships that promote growth and deliver key differentiators for customers.

The collaboration is aimed at developing and delivering supply chain management and optimisation, analytics, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the commercial and civil UAS markets.

The two companies will jointly pursue opportunities to use their combined experience and solutions in manned aviation programmes and extend them into the UAS market, which will also include services for commercially focused regulatory compliance, ground support, training, parts distribution, field upgrades and vehicle retrofit capabilities.

Robotic Skies founder and CEO Brad Hayden said: “Unmanned and autonomous commercial aircraft operations are increasingly mirroring those in manned aviation, including the need for quality maintenance provided by certified technicians.

“We are shaping a robust operational ecosystem for on-demand mobility that supports the future of aircraft, air vehicles and autonomous systems.”

“This latest investment will allow us to continue to grow our global footprint and expand operational capabilities to support customers.”

Boeing provides commercial airplanes, defence, space and security systems, and global services in more than 150 countries.

Founded in 2014, Robotic Skies is a global network of certified UAS maintenance centres, offering comprehensive turnkey field service programmes for the safe, efficient and affordable UAS operations worldwide.